Dr. Jenny Gray

Jenny leads an aquarium that has pioneered innovative exhibits and education initiatives. It has evolved into one of the world’s leading ocean conservation organizations through its globally respected Seafood Watch program, its activities on behalf of ocean policy reform, and field research that is illuminating the conservation challenges facing sea otters, white sharks, and tunas in the wild. The Aquarium envisions a world in which both people and nature thrive, and equity and social justice are essential underpinnings to achieving its mission: to inspire conservation of the ocean.

Under Jenny’s leadership, Zoos Victoria was transformed into a global conservation leader dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction through research and habitat protection. Jenny launched community mobilization campaigns on issues ranging from reducing plastics to demanding sustainable palm oil.

She served a two-year term as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and has played a pivotal role in global species recovery efforts through initiatives such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Reverse the Red. Her published work on ethics and animal welfare has shaped thinking across the profession.

Jenny’s contributions have been recognized with some of the sector’s highest honors, including Australia’s Public Service Medal, the Order of Australia Medal, and the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Medal. A native of South Africa, Jenny holds master’s degrees in ethics, engineering, and business administration, and a Ph.D. in ethics from the University of Melbourne. She is an avid hiker and scuba diver.